Background

Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral found in foods such as milk, cheese, cereal grains, legumes, nuts, leafy vegetables, and meats.

Molybdenum works in the body to break down proteins and other substances. It's estimated that adults in the US consume 120-210 mcg of molybdenum in foods daily.

People use molybdenum for molybdenum deficiency. It is also used for acne, cancer, liver disease, osteoporosis, and other many conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by: Molybdenum is likely safe when used in amounts that don't exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of 2 mg daily. It's generally well-tolerated. But it's possibly unsafe when used in amounts greater than 2 mg daily.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy: Molybdenum is likely safe during pregnancy when used in amounts that don't exceed the UL of 1.7 mg daily for those 14 to 18 years, or 2 mg daily for those 19 and older. It's possibly unsafe when used in higher doses.

Breast-feeding: Molybdenum is likely safe while breast-feeding when used in amounts that don't exceed the UL of 1.7 mg daily for those 14 to 18 years, or 2 mg daily for those 19 and older. It's possibly unsafe when used in higher doses.

Children: Molybdenum is likely safe when used in amounts that don't exceed the UL by age: 0.3 mg daily for children 1 to 3 years, 0.6 mg daily for children 4 to 8 years, 1.1 mg daily for children 9 to 13 years, and 1.7 mg daily for adolescents. Molybdenum is possibly unsafe when used in higher doses.

Copper deficiency: Taking molybdenum might reduce how much copper and molybdenum the body absorbs, possibly making copper deficiency worse. But it's not clear if this is a big concern.

Gout: Using molybdenum in amounts above 2 mg daily might make gout worse. Very high levels of molybdenum in the diet have been linked with gout.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

Molybdenum is consumed in foods such as milk, cheese, cereal grains, legumes, nuts, leafy vegetables, and organ meats. But as medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of molybdenum might be. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

It is not known if Molybdenum interacts with any medicines. Before taking Molybdenum, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Copper: Molybdenum can attach to copper in the gut and decrease the amount of copper and molybdenum that the body absorbs. But it is unlikely that molybdenum could decrease copper absorption enough to cause copper deficiency. But people with anemia that is caused by low copper should avoid high amounts of molybdenum.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.